U.S. patent application number 11/056264 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for distributor for liquid manure and the like.
Invention is credited to Depault, Marcel.
Application Number | 20050242213 11/056264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34700210 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050242213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Depault, Marcel |
November 3, 2005 |
Distributor for liquid manure and the like
Abstract
A liquid manure distributor comprises a hollow elongated beam
adapted to extend transversally horizontally at a rear bottom end
of a spreader. The beam is connected in fluid flow communication
with a feed pipe. A plurality of discharged holes are distributed
along the hollow elongated beam for distributing the liquid medium
from the hollow elongated beam onto the ground surface.
Inventors: |
Depault, Marcel;
(St-Simon-de-Bagot, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT LLP
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
34700210 |
Appl. No.: |
11/056264 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60543909 |
Feb 13, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
239/548 ;
239/172 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01C 23/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
239/548 ;
239/172 |
International
Class: |
B05B 001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 2004 |
CA |
2,488,457 |
Claims
1. A distributor for distributing a liquid medium on a ground
surface, the distributor being adapted to be used with a spreader
including a frame adapted to ride on the ground and carrying a
reservoir connected to a pump feeding the liquid medium from the
reservoir to a feed pipe, the distributor comprising: a hollow
elongated beam adapted to extend transversally horizontally at a
rear bottom end of the spreader, the hollow elongated beam defining
an enclosure; an inlet in the hollow elongated beam adapted to be
connected in fluid flow communication with the feed pipe; and a
plurality of discharged hole distributed along said hollow
elongated beam for distributing the liquid medium from the hollow
elongated beam onto the ground surface.
2. The distributor according to claim 1, wherein said hollow
elongated beam defines a central distribution chamber, the liquid
medium flowing into said distribution chamber through said inlet,
said central distribution chamber having a plurality of outlets in
fluid flow communication with distinct fluid passages, each of
which leads to a respective one of said discharged holes, and
wherein a plurality of baffles extend into said central
distribution chamber between said outlets, said outlets being
separated from one another by said baffles.
3. The distributor according to claim 1, wherein said hollow
elongated beam defines a distribution chamber, and wherein internal
partitions divide said chamber in sectors, each sector leading to a
different outlet, the sectors being in flow communication with a
common central chamber area receiving the incoming liquid medium
through said inlet.
4. The distributor according to claim 2, wherein said hollow
elongated beam is internally divided on each side of said
distribution chamber in at least two elongated fluid passages.
5. The distributor according to claim 3, wherein at least one
longitudinal internal partition extends on each side of the
distribution chamber to cooperate with the walls of the hollow
elongated beam to define said fluid passages.
6. The distributor according to claim 2, wherein each of said
plurality of baffles comprises a flap extending at an angle to an
associated one of said outlets.
7. The distributor according to claim 6, wherein said flap is
articulated.
8. The distributor according to claim 6, wherein said flap has a
flexible body for movement under fluid pressure.
9. The distributor according to claim 1, wherein said beam includes
an intermediate segment and two end segments articulated at opposed
ends of said intermediate beam segment, said intermediate segment
defining a central distribution chamber and having partitions
extending axially from opposed sides of said chamber to divide an
internal space of said intermediate beam into a plurality of
axially extending fluid passages.
10. The distributor according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of pipes, each pipe having a generally inverted "U"
shape, each pipe having a first end connected to a top surface of
the hollow elongated beam such as to be in fluid communication with
the enclosure, and a second end extending downwardly such as to be
in proximity to the ground surface, wherein the liquid medium
pumped into the enclosure by the pump through the feed pipe fills
the enclosure through the inlet and overflows in the pipes such as
to be distributed on the ground surface through the second ends of
the pipes.
11. The distributor according to claim 1, wherein the hollow
elongated beam comprises at least a central section extending
between two outer sections, the outer sections being movable
between an aligned and a retracted position, the outer and central
sections being in fluid communication in the aligned position such
that the enclosure is defined throughout the outer and central
sections, and the outer sections being angled to the central
section in the retracted position such as to close the fluid
communication so that the enclosure is limited within the central
section.
12. The distributor according to claim 11, wherein the outer
sections are connected to the central section through an
actuator.
13. The distributor according to claim 11, wherein each outer
section is composed of at least two subsections rigidly connected
together and in fluid communication with each other.
14. A distributor for use in a spreader to apply a liquid medium
over farm fields, the distributor comprising a distribution chamber
having an inlet for receiving a flow of liquid manure and a
plurality of outlets arranged about said inlet, and a plurality of
baffles extending into said distribution chamber between adjacent
outlets, said outlets being separated from one another by said
baffles which split the incoming flow of liquid manure at its entry
into the distribution chamber between said outlets.
15. The distributor according to claim 14, wherein said distributor
has an elongated hollow body adapted to extend transversally of the
spreader, said distribution chamber being integrated to a central
section of said elongated hollow body, and wherein said elongated
hollow body is internally divided on each side of said distribution
chamber in at least two axially extending fluid passages.
16. The distributor according to claim 15, wherein at least one
longitudinal internal partition extends on each side of the
distribution chamber to cooperate with the walls of the hollow
elongated body to define said fluid passages.
17. The distributor according to claim 14, wherein each of said
plurality of baffles comprises a flap extending at an angle to an
associated one of said outlets.
18. The distributor according to claim 17, wherein said flap is
articulated.
19. The distributor according to claim 17, wherein said flap has a
flexible body for movement under fluid pressure.
20. The distributor according to claim 15, wherein said elongated
hollow body has two end sections articulated at opposed ends of
said central section.
21. A distributor for use in a liquid manure spreader to apply
manure at ground level over a field, the distributor comprising a
distribution chamber having an inlet adapted to receive an incoming
flow of liquid manure, a plurality of baffles provided in said
distribution chamber and splitting the incoming flow of liquid
manure between individual conduits leading to separate outlets
arranged in a series transversal to a direction of travel of the
spreader and in closed spaced relationship to the ground.
22. The distributor according to claim 21, wherein said distributor
has an elongated hollow body adapted to extend transversally of the
spreader, said distribution chamber being integrated to a central
section of said elongated hollow body, and wherein said elongated
hollow body is internally divided on each side of said distribution
chamber to provide said individual conduits.
23. The distributor according to claim 22, wherein at least one
longitudinal internal partition extends on each side of the
distribution chamber to cooperate with the walls of the hollow
elongated body to define said individual conduits.
24. The distributor according to claim 21, wherein each of said
plurality of baffles comprises an angularly extending flap.
25. The distributor according to claim 24, wherein said flap is
articulated.
26. The distributor according to claim 24, wherein said flap has a
flexible body for movement under fluid pressure.
27. A distributor for distributing a liquid medium on a ground
surface, the distributor being adapted to be used with a spreader
including a vehicle carrying a reservoir connected to a pump
feeding the liquid medium from the reservoir to a conduit, the
distributor comprising: a hollow elongated body adapted to extend
transversally horizontally at the rear of the spreader, the hollow
elongated body having closed ends and defining an enclosure; an
inlet in the hollow elongated body adapted to be connected in fluid
flow communication with the conduit; and a plurality of pipes, each
pipe having a generally inverted "U" shape, each pipe having a
first end connected to a top surface of the hollow elongated body
such as to be in fluid communication with the enclosure, and a
second end extending downwardly such as to be in proximity to the
ground surface; wherein the liquid medium pumped into the enclosure
by the pump through the conduit fills the enclosure through the
inlet and overflows in the pipes such as to be distributed on the
ground surface through the second ends of the pipes.
28. The distributor according to claim 27, wherein the hollow
elongated body is composed of at least a central section extending
between two outer sections, the outer sections being movable
between an aligned and a retracted position, the outer and central
sections being in fluid communication in the aligned position such
that the enclosure is defined throughout the outer and central
sections, and the outer sections being generally perpendicular to
the central section in the retracted position such as to close the
fluid communication so that the enclosure is limited within the
central section.
29. The distributor according to claim 28, wherein the outer
sections are connected to the central section through an
actuator.
30. The distributor according to claim 29, wherein each outer
section is composed of at least two subsections rigidly connected
together and in fluid communication with each other.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/543,909 filed Feb. 13, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to fertilizer distributors,
and more particularly to spreaders suited for spreading liquid
manure.
[0004] 2. Background Art
[0005] Liquid manure spreaders generally comprise a distributor
receiving manure from a pump in fluid connection with a manure
reservoir. The distributor distributes the manure into a plurality
of downwardly depending flexible hoses that are supported on a tool
bar that can also support agricultural tools.
[0006] However, the flexible hoses are easily damaged. In addition,
they are susceptible to becoming clogged and can be difficult to
unclog because of their length. Plus, there is often a difference
between the volume of manure supplied to the different hoses, which
leads to an uneven distribution.
[0007] Canadian Patent 2,121,994 to Houle discloses a distributor
equalizing the volume of manure supplied to the different hoses,
and diminishing the risk of clogging thereof. However, the
disclosed distributor still uses the flexible hoses with the
disadvantages mentioned above. In addition, the cylindrical shape
of the distributor considerably limits the diameter and number of
the flexible hoses that can be used therewith since they are
circumferentially distributed on top of the distributor.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0008] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide
an improved liquid manure distributor.
[0009] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there
is provided a distributor for distributing a liquid medium on a
ground surface, the distributor being adapted to be used with a
spreader including a vehicle carrying a reservoir connected to a
pump feeding the liquid medium from the reservoir to a conduit, the
distributor comprising a hollow elongated body adapted to extend
transversally horizontally at the rear of the spreader, the hollow
elongated body having closed ends and defining an enclosure, an
inlet in the hollow elongated body adapted to be connected in fluid
flow communication with the conduit, and a plurality of pipes, each
pipe having a generally inverted "U" shape, each pipe having a
first end connected to a top surface of the hollow elongated body
such as to be in fluid communication with the enclosure, and a
second end extending downwardly such as to be in proximity to the
ground surface, wherein the liquid medium pumped into the enclosure
by the pump through the conduit fills the enclosure through the
inlet and overflows in the pipes such as to be distributed on the
ground surface through the second ends of the pipes.
[0010] In accordance with a further general aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a distributor for distributing a
liquid medium on a ground surface, the distributor being adapted to
be used with a spreader including a frame adapted to ride on the
ground and carrying a reservoir connected to a pump feeding the
liquid medium from the reservoir to a feed pipe, the distributor
comprising: a hollow elongated beam adapted to extend transversally
horizontally at a rear bottom end of the spreader, the hollow
elongated beam defining an enclosure;
[0011] an inlet in the hollow elongated beam adapted to be
connected in fluid flow communication with the feed pipe; and a
plurality of discharged hole distributed along said hollow
elongated beam for distributing the liquid medium from the hollow
elongated beam onto the ground surface.
[0012] In accordance with a still further general aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a distributor for use in a
spreader to apply a liquid medium over farm fields, the distributor
comprising a distribution chamber having an inlet for receiving a
flow of liquid manure and a plurality of outlets arranged about
said inlet, and a plurality of baffles extending into said
distribution chamber between adjacent outlets, said outlets being
separated from one another by said baffles which split the incoming
flow of liquid manure at its entry into the distribution chamber
between said outlets.
[0013] In accordance with a still further general aspect of the
present invention, there is provided a distributor for use in a
liquid manure spreader to apply manure at ground level over a
field, the distributor comprising a distribution chamber having an
inlet adapted to receive an incoming flow of liquid manure, a
plurality of baffles provided in said distribution chamber and
splitting the incoming flow of liquid manure between individual
conduits leading to separate outlets arranged in a series
transversal to a direction of travel of the spreader and in closed
spaced relationship to the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment thereof and
in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a liquid manure distributor
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the distributor of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a flow control system of
the distributor of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a liquid manure distributor
according another embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the liquid manure
distributor shown in FIG. 4, the front wall of the distributor
being removed to reveal the internal details of the
distributor;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged top cross-sectional view of the liquid
manure distributor shown in FIG. 5; and
[0021] FIG. 7 is schematic perspective view of a distribution
chamber in accordance with a further embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, a liquid manure distributor
according to an embodiment of the present invention takes the form
of a transverse hollow flow beam which is generally indicated at
10. As shown in FIG. 3, the beam 10 is adapted to be used with a
liquid manure spreader comprising a motive vehicle (not shown)
carrying a reservoir 12 containing liquid manure, and a pump 14
having an inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir 12 and an
outlet connected to a guillotine-type valve 16. The valve 16 can be
readily adjusted to split the flow of liquid manure in a desired
ratio between a return line 18 connected to the reservoir 12 and an
inlet line 20 connected to the hollow beam 10.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the beam 10 is preferably
multisectional. A hollow elongated tubular central section 22
extends horizontally and perpendicularly to the direction of travel
of the spreader. A plurality of vertical plates 24 are provided on
the central section 22 for attachment of the beam 10 to the rear of
the liquid manure spreader at a distance relatively close to the
ground. The plates 24 also provide for the mounting of other
equipment to the rear of the liquid manure spreader. The central
section 22 is open at both ends.
[0024] A hollow elongated tubular intermediary section 26 is
connected at each of the two ends of the central section 22 such as
to be aligned therewith. The two intermediary sections 26 also each
have two open ends. A hollow elongated tubular outer section 28 is
connected at the outer end of each of the intermediary sections 26
such as to be aligned therewith. The two outer sections 28 each
have one open end adjacent to the corresponding intermediary
section 26 and one closed end.
[0025] The central, intermediary and outer sections 22,26,28 have
the same cross-section and are in fluid communication with each
other. The open ends of adjacent sections are aligned such that the
aligned sections 22,26,28 together define a fluid tight enclosure.
A conduit 30, forming part of the inlet line 20, is connected to
the central section 22 and defines an inlet for that enclosure. The
conduit 30 is adapted to be connected to the pump 14 via valve
16.
[0026] The adjacent outer and intermediary sections 26,28 are
rigidly connected to each other, preferably by bolting together a
pair of flanges 32, one flange being integral with each section and
surrounding the open end thereof. A seal 34 is preferably
sandwiched between the flanges 32 such as to prevent leaks.
[0027] The intermediary sections 26 are each connected to the
central section 22 through an actuator 36. In a preferred
embodiment, the contact between the central section 22 and each
intermediary section 26 is made between a flange 32 integral with
the intermediary section 26 and surrounding the open end thereof,
and a seal 34 attached around an opening 38 in an end plate 40
integral with the central section 22. Retraction of the actuator 36
allows the integral intermediary and outer sections 26,28 to be
lifted, thus reducing the effective width of the beam 10.
Preferably, the plate 40 is U-shaped to snuggly receive the body of
the lifted intermediary section 26. Thus, the body of the lifted
intermediary section 26 acts as a plug on the opening 38 of the
central section 22 such as to form a central fluid tight enclosure
therewithin.
[0028] At least one inverted U-shaped pipe 42 is connected by one
end to the top of each of the sections 22,26,28 such as to be in
fluid communication with the enclosure. In a preferred embodiment,
four (4) inverted U-shaped pipes 42 are provided on the central
section 22 and one is provided on each of the other sections 26,28,
for a total of eight (8) inverted U-shaped pipes 42. The other end
of each inverted U-shaped pipe 42 extends downwardly behind the
beam 10 and is preferably connected to a straight pipe 44 such as
to deliver the manure closer to the ground. The distance between
adjacent pipes 42 generally corresponds to that of adjacent furrows
or planting rows in the field to be fertilized.
[0029] A dispersion plate 46 is detachably connected under each
straight pipe 44 such as to disperse the liquid manure in a
relatively uniform film. The dispersion plates 46 can be removed
when it is desired to spread the liquid manure in discrete rows
rather than in a somewhat continuous film.
[0030] At least one access opening 48 is provided in the front of
each section 22,26,28. One access opening 48 is preferably aligned
with each of the inverted U-shaped pipes 42 such as to facilitate
maintenance and unclogging of the pipes 42 if required. Each access
opening 48 is closed by a corresponding plug 50.
[0031] In use, the pump 14 feeds liquid manure from the reservoir
12 to the pump outlet. The guillotine-type valve 16 allows a
selected portion of the manure to return to the reservoir 12,
thereby controlling the flow of manure in the beam 10. The liquid
manure flows downwardly from the inlet line 20 into the hollow beam
10 through inlet conduit 30. The enclosure formed by the aligned
sections 22,26,28 of the beam 10 or by the central section 22 alone
when the other sections are lifted by the actuators 36, is
progressively filled with liquid manure. When the enclosure is
full, the liquid manure overflows into the inverted U-shaped pipes
42, through which it is delivered to the ground.
[0032] The elongated horizontal enclosure allows the flow of liquid
manure to spread out and become less turbulent before entering the
inverted U-shaped pipes 42, equalizing the quantity of manure
entering each pipe and thus improving the evenness of the
distribution. The flexible hoses of the prior art are eliminated.
In addition, the elongated shape of the beam 10 provides a large
surface for connecting the inverted U-shape pipes 42. A large
number of pipes can thus be used if required, as well as pipes
having a larger cross-section which could be, for example, oval
shaped.
[0033] FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present
invention, wherein like parts are designated by like reference
numerals. The second embodiment 10' essentially differs from the
first embodiment 10 in that a distribution chamber 23' is
integrated into the central section 22' of the beam to split the
incoming liquid manure at its entry into the beam 10' via inlet
30'.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distribution chamber 23' has
a plurality of outlets 27a', 27b', 27c' and 27d' (four in the
illustrated example) separated from one another by a plurality of
baffles 25' (two in the illustrated example) extending axially
inwardly into the distribution chamber 23' from opposed ends
thereof. The baffles 25' equally split the incoming flow of liquid
manure between the outlets 27a', 27b', 27c', 27d'.
[0035] The outlets 27a', 27b', 27c' and 27d' are connected in fluid
flow communication with respective fluid passages 29a', 29b', 29c'
and 29d'. extending axially of the beam 10' away from opposed ends
of the distribution chamber 23' and leading to respective
discharged holes 31a', 31b', 31c' and 31d', which are defined in
the bottom wall of the beam 10' at different distances from the
center thereof. The fluid passages 29a', 29b' and 29c', 29d' on
each side of the distribution chamber 23' are separated from one
another by a central partition 33' extending axially between the
top and bottom walls of the beam 10'. As shown in FIG. 6, the outer
end of the partitions 33' is bent against the inner surface of the
front wall of the beam 10' to close the axial end of passages 29b'
and 29d' immediately downstream of the discharged holes 31b' and
31d' thereof. An adaptor (not shown) could be removably mounted to
selected one of the discharges holes to further divide the flow of
liquid manure. The adaptor would have one inlet connected to the
discharged hole an at least two outlets distributed over the length
thereof. The adaptor would extend in parallel to the beam 10'. The
adaptor would allow the user to have additional discharged point
along the beam 10'.
[0036] By so dividing the liquid manure at its entry in the
distribution chamber 23' and separately directing the liquid manure
from the distribution chamber 23' to the discharged holes 31a',
31b', 31c' and 31d', the liquid manure can be more evenly applied
over the ground and clogging problems are less likely to occur.
[0037] Each baffle 25' has a substantially T-shaped configuration
including a pair of flaps 35' extending from opposed ends of a web
37' at an angle to the outlets 27a', 27b', 27c' and 27d' for
deflecting the incoming liquid manure which has been discharged
centrally into the chamber 23' to associated ones of said outlets
27a', 27b', 27c' and 27d'. The flaps 35' are preferably articulated
and/or made of a flexible material, such as rubber, so as to be
moveable against fluid pressure in order to prevent the liquid
manure from flowing back into the distribution chamber 23' from the
passages 29a', 29b', 29c' and 29d' when the spreader travels on
uneven ground surfaces and the beam 10' is not at level (i.e.
incline to the horizontal). Under the fluid pressure, the flaps 35'
will pivot to a position substantially parallel to the webs 37'
(perpendicular to the flow) to substantially obstruct the passage
through the outlets 27a', 27b', 27c' and 27d'.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 5, the central beam section 22' preferably
comprise a central segment 39' bolted at opposed ends thereof to
two beam segments 41'. The partitions 33' are provided within the
segments 41' and project beyond the inner ends thereof so as to
extend into the distribution chamber 23' in the central segment 39'
once the segments 41' have been assembled to the central segment
39'. The baffles 25' are preferably integrated to the inner end of
the partitions 33'. Other arrangements are contemplated as
well.
[0039] In use, the liquid manure is fed into the beam 10' at the
rear bottom end of the spreader via inlet 30'. The liquid manure is
discharged in the central region of the distribution chamber 23'
between the baffles 25'. The baffles 25' split the incoming liquid
manure between the passages 29a', 29b', 29c' and 29d' for allowing
the liquid manure to be separately directed to the discharged holes
31a', 31b', 31c' and 31d' where it is discharged over the ground as
the spreader is displaced over the ground surface to be
fertilized.
[0040] It is understood that the beam 10' could be divided in more
than four fluid passages by means of additional axially extending
partitions. Additional baffles would be provided to split the flow
of liquid manure between the additional passages.
[0041] Also, it is understood that the distribution chamber 23'
does not need to be integrated to a hollow elongated beam. The
distribution chamber 23' could take various configurations and the
outlets thereof could be connected in fluid flow communication to
flexible pipes instead of rigid fluid passages extending along a
hollow beam, as herein described.
[0042] For instance, as shown in FIG. 7, the distribution chamber
23" could be provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical enclosure
adapted to be mounted at the rear bottom end of a spreader and
having a central inlet 30" and a plurality of peripheral outlets
27" distributed about the inlet 30". The inlet 30" could be
provided at the bottom or at the top of the distribution chamber
23". Also it is understood that the outlets 27" could be provided
elsewhere than in the side wall of the cylindrical enclosure, as
shown. For instance, it could be provided in the top wall 23".
[0043] The internal volume of the distribution chamber 23" is
divided in sectors by a plurality of baffles 25" projecting
radially inwardly into the chamber 23" between adjacent outlets
27". The adjacent outlets 27" are separated from one another by the
baffles 25". The sectors communicate with a common central area
where the incoming fluid manure is discharged before being split by
the baffles 25" between the various outlets 27". The outlets 27"
are connected in fluid flow communication to respective pipes or
conduits (not shown) for discharging the liquid manure at various
locations over a farm field. According to this embodiment, the
distributor is thus formed by a central distribution chamber and
series of pipes extending from the distribution chamber. The
configuration and construction of the baffle is generally as
described herein be fore with respect to the second embodiment and
thus the duplicate description thereof is omitted for brevity.
[0044] The embodiments of the invention described above are
intended to be exemplary. Those skilled in the art will therefore
appreciate that the forgoing description is illustrative only, and
that various alternatives and modifications can be devised without
departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly,
the present is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *